History and Journalism Studies

History and journalism studies is a combination that brings together the discipline of historical inquiry with the practical and theoretical dimensions of journalism, creating a degree for people who want to understand the world deeply and to communicate that understanding effectively and responsibly. History trains critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and the construction of clear argument from complex material, all of which are essential qualities for serious journalism. Journalism studies examines the principles, practices, and ethics of reporting, and develops the writing, research, and communication skills that professional journalism demands.

At Stirling, this four-year degree develops both disciplines seriously, giving you the historical depth to contextualise current events and the journalistic training to report and analyse them with accuracy and integrity. History modules will span periods and themes, developing your ability to work with primary and secondary sources and to write clearly and persuasively about complex historical material. Journalism modules will cover news writing, reporting, digital journalism, media law and ethics, and the changing landscape of the media industry.

The degree includes a year abroad, providing the opportunity to study in an international setting, which is relevant both for historical perspective and for developing the kind of global awareness that contemporary journalism requires.

Graduates of history and journalism studies move into careers in print, broadcast, and digital journalism, as well as in public affairs, communications, political research, public relations, and the civil service. The combination of historical analytical skill and journalistic writing ability is valued well beyond conventional media roles, in any organisation that needs people who can research carefully, write clearly, and communicate complex ideas to non-specialist audiences. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in journalism, history, media studies, or politics, while others move directly into the profession, using the portfolio of work developed during the degree as their entry into a competitive field.